Encouragement for Today - September 10, 2025

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September 10, 2025

Prepared for Influence
RACHAEL GROLL

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“Barak said to [Deborah], ‘If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.’” Judges 4:8 (NIV) 

In the book of Judges, we see that after being oppressed by King Jabin for 20 years, the Israelites turned to the Lord for help. In answer to their prayers, God spoke through Deborah:

“She sent for Barak … and said to him, ‘The LORD, the God of Israel, commands you: “Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.”’ Barak said to her, ‘If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go’” (Judges 4:6-8, NIV).

Both as a judge and as a prophet, Deborah was equipped by God to lead His people. Her close relationship with God enabled her to have great influence among her people. She was already working within her calling when God placed her in leadership.

As believers, when we are obedient in the small things, God often trusts us with bigger things. When I think back over my life, I see areas where this was true for me. Perhaps you do too.

The countless hours of therapy I went through as I healed.

The conversations I had with young mothers as they picked up their children from the church nursery.

The late nights I spent writing papers during seminary.

The heartache and tears as the child we had spent five years trying to adopt internationally was trafficked to another country.

God saw and used those moments to mold me into the leader I am today. Through it all, I sought to keep serving Him faithfully among the people He gave me influence over. In each of those moments, God was preparing me for the people He has called me to serve today.

I don’t believe the prophetic gifting and leadership we see in Deborah started suddenly when there was a need. When she delivered her message to Barak, Deborah had already been using the gifts God had given to her to serve Him in that community (Judges 4:4-5). She was already in a place to be used by God when the need arose.

Similarly, as we practice hearing God’s voice daily in our jobs, marriages, and communities, He will help us grow spiritually, giving us gifts as we are faithful in what He has already given us.

If we want to see God work through us, let’s start by being faithful with what He has given us. The blessings of tomorrow are birthed in the obedience of today.

Father, thank You for using the circumstances I’ve walked through. When I feel unseen or unqualified, remind me that You are always preparing me for the influence You’ve entrusted to me. Help me to be faithful in the small things, attentive to Your voice, and ready when You call me forward. I want to serve You with the gifts You’ve given me — right where I am today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

In our noisy world, we struggle to hear God’s still, small voice. And when we think we do hear it, we have lots of questions. If you’re ready to dig deep into what we can learn from Scripture about this, get a copy of Rachael Groll’s book, Knowing God’s Voice: What Female Prophets of the Bible Teach Us About Recognizing, Trusting, and Obeying God.

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If you’re looking for an audio resource, the Hearing Jesus podcast will encourage and equip you to step into the calling God has for your life, living out your faith in the everyday.

Enter to WIN your very own copy of Knowing God’s Voice by Rachael Groll. To celebrate this book, Rachael’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by filling out the form here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify them via email by Monday, September 15, 2025.}

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Joel 2:28, “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions” (NIV).

Judges 4:14, “Then Deborah said to Barak, 'Go! This is the day the LORD has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the LORD gone ahead of you?' So Barak went …” (NIV).

God chooses men and women of all ages and positions, even those whose lives seem ordinary. How can you practice faithfulness in your daily life to prepare for God’s bigger plans?

Think about your own experiences with faith and obedience. How have they shaped your relationship with God and your ability to hear His voice? How can you prepare yourself to follow God’s leading without delay? Share with us in the comments!

© 2025 by Rachael Groll. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org